Centrifugal Beverage Capsule Code Reading During Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying capsules in beverage preparation machines are not reliable or convenient, especially when using centrifugal forces for extraction, as the reading of information from the capsule is often unreliable and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design with an optical code arranged along an arc-shaped or circular path on its circumference, repeated for enhanced readability, combined with a beverage preparation device equipped with a light emitter and sensor or inductive sensor for code detection during rotation, ensuring reliable information retrieval and reduced preparation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a code is placed on the capsule for identification, then the beverage preparation parameters can be controlled, but the code reading becomes unreliable when the capsule is stationary or partially obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by reading the code during the rotation of the capsule in the centrifugal beverage preparation machine. Instead of attempting to read a stationary code that may be obscured, the system leverages the natural rotational movement of the capsule to bring the code into the sensor's detection field, ensuring reliable reading without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by utilizing the periodic rotation of the capsule to repeatedly present the code to the reading sensor. The code is read during specific phases of the rotation cycle when it passes through the sensor's detection zone, allowing multiple reading opportunities during each rotation to ensure successful identification.
2Reliability
If the code is read during capsule rotation, then reading reliability improves, but the reading time window becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the code reading operation during the initial rotation phase of the capsule, before the actual beverage preparation process begins. This ensures that the identification is completed in advance, allowing the system to set the appropriate preparation parameters without delaying the brewing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the code is placed on a single location of the capsule, then the design is simple, but the code may be hidden by residues or positioning issues
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the dynamic rotation of the capsule, the system ensures that a code placed at a single location will eventually pass through the sensor's detection field during rotation, overcoming obscuration issues without requiring multiple code placements or complex positioning mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a reliable and efficient method for reading the capsule code, even when partially hidden by residues, ensuring accurate adjustment of machine parameters and simplifying the beverage preparation process.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter and sensor or inductive sensor for code detection during rotation
Implementation Method 2
rotating the receptacle at elevated speed to ensure interaction of liquid with powder while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the receptacle
Implementation Method 3
creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the receptacle
Data Source
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AI summary
Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, wherein the container comprises a code (65) adapted for being identified or read by external reading means (62), wherein the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule.